Indian Railways launches daily fruit special trains for Kashmir growers

In a major boost to horticulture trade in the Valley, Indian Railways is set to run dedicated trains for transporting perishable produce, mainly apples, from Kashmir to Delhi. The JPP-RCS Train Service between Budgam and Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, will begin operations this week, offering farmers a faster and more reliable route to key markets.

The first service from Adarsh Nagar will leave on September 13 at 12:10 pm, while the Budgam-originating train will depart on September 15 at 6:15 am, reaching the capital the next morning at 5:30 am. Each train will operate with eight Vehicle Parcel vans (VPs) and one brake van (SLR), with intermediate loading and unloading facilities at Bari Brahman station in Jammu.

According to officials, the services are primarily meant for registered aggregators under the JPP-RCS scheme, who can apply via the dedicated portal www.fois.indianrail.gov.in. The Northern Railway’s Commercial Department at Baroda House, New Delhi, has been designated as the nodal contact for queries.

Railway authorities assured that additional parcel vans and larger consists will be introduced if demand increases. Senior officials, including the Principal Chief Commercial Manager (Northern Railway) and DRM Jammu, are in coordination with the J&K horticulture department, fruit growers’ associations, and trade bodies to ensure smooth operations.

The initiative is expected to significantly cut transit delays and reduce spoilage, ensuring that Valley apples and other perishables reach markets in better condition and at competitive times. This comes a month after the first freight train carrying cement from Punjab reached Anantnag on August 9.

Train Timings and Stops

By strengthening freight connectivity, Indian Railways aims to position itself as a dependable logistics partner for Kashmir’s fruit economy, which has long sought a cost-effective and timely alternative to road transport.